An enquiry held at the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court has cleared two prominent Vhembe ANC leaders of allegations of discrimination.
Mr Christopher Netshandama and Ms Esther Ramuhovhi had been summoned earlier this year after Vhamusanda Vho Michael Nndweleni Muthaphuli of Lukwarani Habudeli, outside Thohoyandou, had laid a complaint of discrimination and insubordination against them. He had also sought a protection order.
The hearing, which was characterised by divided support, saw members of SANCO's Thulamela Sub-region backing the aggrieved traditional leader, while SANCO Vhembe Region, led by secretary Mr Marcus Malume, led a "Hands off our Leaders" campaign in support of Netshandama and Ramuhovhi.
The matter was postponed several times, and at one point tensions nearly led to a physical altercation between the opposing factions. The timely arrival of the police prevented any escalation.
The enquiry was finalised on Monday, 15 April, with the court dismissing the application for a lack of sufficient evidence.
A sombre mood prevailed outside the court as the legal advisor of the traditional leader explained the outcome. In an interview with Limpopo Mirror, Vhamusanda Vho Muthaphuli said he was unhappy with the judgment. "But what can I do. I am a law-abiding citizen and have to accept the outcomes. The whole scenario opened the old wounds of the 26 November and 2 December 2024. The same people hired a big sound after the judgement and were celebrating and insulting me throughout the village. I do not know what to do next but will sit down with the relevant stakeholders to chart the way forward," he said.
An emotional Netshandama said the experience had left his family deeply traumatised. "Although I am happy the enquiry exonerated me, I am still very bitter that my political career is deeply affected. I am also running an NGO – that means my integrity, my image and my name have been tainted and very compromised. My character has been heavily assassinated. I do not know how I have to go about rebuilding my reputation," he said.